Classpot

Bedford High School

Wigan, WN7 2LUSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Oct 2023
Progress 8
-0.24
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
199 1st-choice / 231 places
Ranking
#2,103
of 3,141 nationally

About Bedford High School

Bedford High School is a mixed state secondary in Wigan that currently educates 1,101 pupils against a capacity of 1,210, meaning it runs with just under 91% occupancy. That spare capacity is notable given the level of demand: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 448 applications for 231 places, an oversubscription ratio of 1.94, and made 199 offers to first-preference families. The school’s intake reflects a significantly higher-than-average level of disadvantage, with 37.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals — well above the national secondary average of around 23%. This context matters when interpreting the school’s academic results, as schools with high FSM rates often face additional challenges in driving attainment. The school is led by headteacher Paul McCaffery and has no sixth form or nursery provision, so pupils leave at 16.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressManchester Road, Leigh, Wigan, WN7 2LU
HeadteacherPaul McCaffery
Local AuthorityWigan
Number of Pupils1,101
Free School Meals (FSM)37.3%
School Capacity1,101 / 1,210 (91% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

3 Oct 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 8 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Swimming PoolArt StudiosICT SuiteTennis CourtsSports HallLibraryScience LabsSixth Form CentreAstro TurfTheatreMusic RoomsGymnasiumChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

DanceBasketballFootballCricketGymnasticsNetballHockeyRowingTennisSwimming

Clubs & Activities

DramaNewspaperChoirBook ClubOrchestraDebateModel United NationsEco Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford High School

Bedford High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.